CVE-2010-3146 in Groove
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple untrusted search path vulnerabilities in Microsoft Groove 2007 SP2 allow local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse (1) mso.dll or (2) GroovePerfmon.dll file in the current working directory, as demonstrated by a directory that contains a Groove vCard (.vcg) or Groove Tool Archive (.gta) file, aka "Microsoft Groove Insecure Library Loading Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2010-3146 represents a critical insecure library loading issue affecting Microsoft Groove 2007 Service Pack 2, classified under CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element. This flaw exploits the software's failure to properly validate the source of dynamically loaded libraries, creating a privilege escalation vector that can be exploited by local attackers. The vulnerability specifically manifests when Groove processes vCard (.vcg) or Groove Tool Archive (.gta) files, which trigger the loading of system libraries from the current working directory instead of enforcing a secure search path.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability stems from Microsoft Groove's improper handling of dynamic library loading procedures. When processing certain file types, the application searches for required components in the current working directory before checking system directories, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to place malicious versions of legitimate system libraries such as mso.dll or GroovePerfmon.dll. This insecure search path behavior directly violates security principles established in the CWE catalog, particularly focusing on the improper handling of library loading sequences. The attack requires local system access and relies on the victim executing a specially crafted Groove file, making it a local privilege escalation vulnerability rather than a remote attack vector.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and data theft. An attacker with local access can execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges by replacing legitimate DLL files with malicious counterparts in the working directory where Groove is executed. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 for locally executed code and T1548.001 for privilege escalation through DLL hijacking. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that Groove was commonly installed in enterprise environments, potentially allowing attackers to gain administrative access to corporate networks through this vector.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3146 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. Microsoft addressed this vulnerability through security updates that enforced proper DLL search path behavior and implemented secure library loading practices. Organizations should ensure all systems running Microsoft Groove 2007 SP2 are updated with the latest security patches, while also implementing additional security controls such as restricting write access to directories where Groove processes are executed. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and adherence to security guidelines established in standards like the Microsoft Security Development Lifecycle, which emphasize proper library loading mechanisms and search path validation. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting solutions and monitoring for suspicious DLL loading activities to detect potential exploitation attempts.